Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Knoxville is 14% cheaper than Billings.

$1,116/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 2%
$50,994/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 41%
$214,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 46%
$1,075/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 9%
193,721
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,861/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Knoxville residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Billings — common questions

Is Knoxville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Billings?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Billings?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $20,861/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Montana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Knoxville details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

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